For Women’s History Month, I interviewed my teacher Ms. Hamilton to learn more about

her and her journey into education.

Q. Did you always know you wanted to work in education, and what inspired you to

become a teacher?

A. No, all high school I worked with kids including summer camp and daycare at the

Y[MCA], but I never considered it as a career until I was pre-med in college and my first day

of being a bio major and they were presenting different options and my favorite teacher

showed up presenting about being a biology teacher and I didn’t want to, but I tried it out

and I loved it. So, a previous teacher inspired me.

Q. Who was the most influential person in your life growing up?

A. My mom just because she is so kind and always prepared, she is willing to do anything

for anyone and always taught me to have a giving spirit.

Q. What was school like for you when you were a student and what subjects or activities

did you enjoy during school?

A. I had a procrastination problem so senior year I was so burnt out so I had an attendance

problem. High school was easy; I just showed up, learned, and took a test. I got good

grades. Senior year I did not go to school after I got my acceptance letter. During school I

liked dancing and I was in cheer and liked doing stunts in cheer. I liked doing chemistry

with my dad’s stuff at home.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher and what do you hope for students to

remember about you?

A. I like seeing my students grow up and by the time you become seniors, you guys are

driving, having jobs, and dreams. I hope they remember my encouragement and how

empathetic I am and how I listen and understand.

Q. What motivates you to keep teaching, and what moments of your career make you

proud?

A. The siblings and the different generations to be able to see how people change and grow

up. I was proud when I spoke at graduation for class of 2022 and the students wanted it to

be me and begged me to speak and made me feel very special. Especially because these

seniors first year of high school was my first year of teaching.

Q. If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

A. To celebrate myself, I can easily celebrate with other people, but I never celebrate

myself and take time to celebrate my accomplishments.